#specialtopics

[katmaeart]

Special Topics Journal 13

Install! Finished construction w/Holli.

[katmaeart]

Special Topics Journal 12

Construction on the bag with Holli. Our sewing machines are acting up, so it's taking us a bit longer, but construction is still continuing.

Have been thinking about other implications and intentions with the bag, and how it may be perceived.

Cut pieces from scraps of others deemed unworthy. Us cutting and taking the time to prep them for interaction with others. Cut, iron, stitch. Not pinning them, not puncturing them any more than needed.

What does it mean to move on? To mourn? To stitch yourself together again? How hard is it? Is there power in numbers of people feeling the same way?

[katmaeart]

Special Topics Journal 11

Starting construction on the bag, thinking about methods of install, as well as the implication + intent of the quilted bag.

Stitched together out of scraps, being pieced back together from torn fragments. What does it mean to be put back together? Are you ever whole again? Do those breaks stay with you forever? Will you always be a little bit torn?

Excited about the scale, I've not gotten to make a lot of large pieces so I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product.

[katmaeart]

Special Topics Journal 10

Above is Holli and I's proposal for the Pyramid Hill installation. We are going to be making a quilted smiley face bag, to commemorate loss and growth from the grief.

We have started to cut out the squares to make up the body of the bag, as well as cut out the yellow circle. Lots of cutting needs to happen, as well as assembling by sewing the squares together. It's a very simple design, so there is no issue there.

[katmaeart]

Special Topics Journal 9

No production, just finding references and inspirations.

As is a theme this whole first year of grad school, I'm finding Louise Bourgeois to be very relevant. I've found a few projects she's done that I find interesting and useful.

Hours of the day- https://www.moma.org/collection/works/portfolios/129797

Pink Days & Blue Days- https://whitney.org/collection/works/11513

Lullaby- https://www.moma.org/collection/works/series/129796

We've talked a bit about Tracy Emin's 'My Bed' piece, but I just discovered her applique blankets- https://www.mrxstitch.com/tracey-emin/ AND https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/emin-hate-and-power-can-be-a-terrible-thing-t11891

Awesome works of art! Very inspiring :)

[katmaeart]

Special Topics Journal 7

I have finished all 5 pillows, as well as the quilted wall hanging for the installation in the Women's Center, installing on Monday March 6th at 9am.

I have started to plan out what I'm doing for the second installation at Pyramid Hill, but nothing is set in stone yet.

[katmaeart]

Special Topics Journal 6

More production! Putting together pillows, cutting out more text, and creating a backdrop for a banner/wall hanging for the Women's Center, collaborating with them.

I met with their project manager, and they seemed super into my installation idea, so I've talked with them a few times and am going to be installing on 3/6, before Spring Break.

The majority of my time last week was spent working on the larger banner/wall hanging, with it containing 120 cut, ironed, and sewed squares. It's a pretty good size. I'm next going to be working on getting the letters cut out, placed, and glued, which is also going to take a lot of time.

[katmaeart]

Special Topics Journal 5

Last week I started piecing together how to create these objects more, with production in mind. Sewing, screenprinting, felting, glueing...

I got some fabric (11 pounds if it!) from the Recycle Center so I got that covered! And I am getting better with my sewing skills, and cutting skills because I am resorting to cutting out the letters out of felt and fleece.

The objects are definitely starting to come together, and it feels good! I had some studio visits with people and I'm working on directing the message with the right attitude.